Gibson Firebird X User manual

Gibson Firebird X
Gibson Firebird X
G-Node Audio Interface Manual
G-Node Audio Interface Manual
copyright 2011 Gibson Guitar Corp.
G-Node manual version 1.0
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Important Safety and Warranty Information
Important Safety and Warranty Information
We value you as a customer—and want our products to give you an inspiring and gratifying
experience. So to insure your safety and protect your investment in Gibson’s Firebird X
guitar please read and follow all safety warnings and operating instructions before using
this product and keep all documentation for future reference.
Environmental Factors
Environmental Factors
Heat and moisture can harm your Gibson Firebird X. Please do not install or operate this
guitar near sources of moisture such as sinks damp basements leaky roofs etc. and never
store it near heat sources such as heaters or radiators. Both you and your Firebird X will be
much happier if you store and operate this product under safe conditions.
Power Sources
Power Sources
Use only the power sources included in the Firebird X package. Make sure any power supply
cords are not located where they are likely to be safety hazards such as on the floor where
people might walk or in locations where they may receive pressure from items placed upon
or against them. Also be very careful with any power source connections such as where
the AC adapter connects to the wall outlet. If this is jostled loose the G-Node USB 2.0
audio interface included with Firebird X may experience extreme power differentials
which can potentially harm you and the product.
Service
Service
Please do not attempt to service Firebird X or any of its accessories yourself—let our expert
technicians handle any repairs for you.
Speaking of experts always send the Firebird X or G-Node USB 2.0 audio
interface to the factory for servicing if any of the following occurs:
✗Any foreign object (especially liquid) has gotten inside Firebird X or its accessories
✗Firebird X or its accessories have been exposed to water dropped or otherwise
damaged
✗A marked change in Firebird X’s performance
✗You hear anything rattling around inside if you shake the Firebird X gently
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Warranty Protection
Warranty Protection
It is extremely important to us that you are satisfied with Firebird X. Register it and
activate your warranty protection by mailing the warranty card included with Firebird X to
Gibson USA Department W P.O. Box 100087 Nashville TN 37210-0087. If you encounter
any kind of problem contact us as soon as possible so we can make things right.
Once you your warranty protection is active Firebird X's electronic components are
warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1)
year from the date of original purchase. Your warranty covers the cost of both labor and
materials on any repair deemed necessary by our Customer Service Representative for the
warranty period subject to the limitations below. Please note that our warranty belongs to
the original retail purchaser only and may not be transferred or assigned to subsequent
owners.
If Firebird X malfunctions as a result of faulty materials or workmanship Gibson will
determine whether repair or replacement is more appropriate. In case the original
materials are no longer available for repair Gibson reserves the right to use materials
regularly utilized at the time of repair.
If we determine that replacing Firebird X best serves your interests or in the unlikely event
that it is destroyed lost or damaged beyond repair while in our possession for repairs we
will replace the product. If it is no longer available it will be replaced with the most
similar product whose value does not exceed your original product’s purchase price.
Remember—as a necessary condition to the warranty coverage described in this section you
must activate your warranty by mailing the warranty card included with Firebird X to
Gibson USA Department W P.O. Box 100087 Nashville TN 37210-0087.
Warranty Limitations
Warranty Limitations
Unfortunately your product warranty cannot cover :
✗Any product that has been altered or modified in any way or upon which any serial
or registration number has been tampered with or altered in any way.
✗Any product whose warranty card has been altered or contains false information.
✗Any product that has been damaged due to misuse negligence accident or improper
operation or storage.
✗Any product damaged during shipment. Inspect the package immediately upon
receipt and notify the carrier immediately if there is damage.
✗Any product damaged as a result of extreme temperature humidity or the use of an
improper power source.
✗Any product not purchased through an authorized dealer or any product that has had
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repairs modifications or alterations made by an unauthorized service technician.
✗Wear and tear based on normal usage.
✗Factory installed electronics after more than one year following the original date of
purchase.
Gibson makes no other express warranty of any kind. All implied warranties including
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose that exceed the specific
provisions of the warranty are expressly and specifically disclaimed and excluded from the
warranty. Note however that some states and/or countries do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of implied warranties so this paragraph may not apply to you. In particular if
you purchased your product outside of the United States contact your local distributor for
the handling and resolution of all warranty issues as the warranty described here is not
always applicable.
And of course Gibson shall not be liable for any special indirect consequential incidental
or other similar damages to you or to any third party including without limitation
damages for loss of profits or business or damages resulting from use or performance of
the product whether in contract or tort even if Gibson or its authorized representative has
been advised of the possibility of such damages and Gibson shall not be liable for any
expenses claims or suits arising from or relating to any of the foregoing.
To obtain warranty service please contact Gibson directly:
US (Toll Free) 1-800-4GIBSON
US (Local) 1-615-871-4500
Email - [email protected]
Never send a unit in for repair before contacting Gibson. You will be advised of the proper
procedure for a quick and efficient repair as well as provide information on where and how
to send your Firebird X.
Gibson® is a trademark of the Gibson Guitar Corp.
Windows® and Windows 7® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc.
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
The G-Node USB 2.0 high-performance audio interface is a product of Echo Digital Audio
which introduced its first computer audio interface 30 years ago. The company now makes
a line of pro audio interfaces for Mac and Windows computers. If you want to expand the
total amount of inputs and outputs G-Node can run concurrently with other Echo Digital
Audio interfaces.
If You Own the Dark Fire or Firebird Guitar
If You Own the Dark Fire or Firebird Guitar
Firebird X is a totally new design so G-Node is not compatible with previous Gibson high-
tech guitars. Please continue to use the Robot Interface Pack (RIP) interface provided with
those guitars.
G-Node Overview
G-Node Overview
G-Node can send the main Firebird X output and each individual string into a computer for
recording or live use. Setting up G-Node involves three main steps done in this order:
✗Installing FB Editor software on your computer. On Windows this includes drivers
—small programs that let G-Node communicate with the computer. Mac OS X already
includes suitable drivers. For both computers a Control Panel program—very much
like a hardware digital mixer—lets you adjust the G-Node’s levels and routing within
the computer.
✗Hooking Up G-Node. G-Node transfers audio to the computer via an industry-
standard USB 2.0 high-speed cable (included with Firebird X; please use only cables
designated for USB 2.0 high-speed use). This physically connects G-Node’s USB 2.0
port to a USB 2.0 port on your computer. Most computers include a USB 2.0 port but
you can add USB 2.0 ports to desktop and laptop computers via accessory cards. G-
Node draws its power from the USB 2.0 bus and requires no AC adapter but can also
be battery-powered for live use if no computer is available. Batteries also offer
“cleaner” power that may result in less noise with high-gain amp setups.
✗Customizing G-Node for your particular computer or application. This involves
making adjustments to the Control Panel and/or assigning G-Node’s inputs and
outputs within a host program like Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition.
Although G-Node is designed and optimized for music programs it can also provide
traditional “sound card” capabilities for Windows and Mac computers (see Appendix D).
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G-Node-Related Accessories
G-Node-Related Accessories
The Firebird X package contains the following components needed by the G-Node interface
system:
✗Gibson G-Node interface box
✗USB 2.0 cable
✗Bluetooth antenna for anticipated future applications
✗Certificate of Authenticity. This is required to download and authorize Firebird X-
related software. Store this in a safe place!
Minimum System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
Using G-Node requires a desktop or laptop computer with:
✗Available USB 2.0 port. USB 1.1 is not supported.
✗At least 1GB RAM (more RAM is highly recommended for audio applications)
✗If you plan to record audio a fast high-capacity IDE SCSI SATA or USB 2.0 hard
drive
✗Software capable of running at 48kHz (G-Node is fixed at that sample rate and
cannot be changed)
✗Mac: Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.4 or higher (when available Mac Lion
compatibility will be announced to registered users).
✗Windows: Windows 7 which provides superior performance for working with audio
than previous Windows versions. G-Node’s true 64-bit drivers are fully compatible
with 32- and 64-bit versions.
Users can try other operating system versions but Gibson cannot provide support.
Guitar Rig 4 Pro and Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition
Guitar Rig 4 Pro and Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition
In addition to the FBX Editor two complimentary downloadable programs that work
seamlessly with G-Node are available to Firebird X owners.
✗Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig 4 Pro (full version) includes multiple amp models
effects and utilities. It works as a stand-alone processor or as a plug-in with Mac
and Windows recording/editing software such as Ableton Live Avid Pro Tools 9 (or
higher) Cakewalk Sonar Apple Logic MOTU Digital Performer Steinberg Cubase etc.
✗Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition provides innovative audio and MIDI
recording sequencing and editing; it can also host Guitar Rig 4 Pro as a plug-in. An
upgrade path is available for updating to the full version.
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Overview: Basic Computer Setups for Firebird
Overview: Basic Computer Setups for Firebird
Here's an overview of what Firebird X can do when connected to a computer
✗For a basic computer-based live performance setup, load Guitar Rig 4 Pro into a
laptop or other computer This software turns your computer into a “virtual guitar rack”
with dozens of virtual amp and effect options, while the G-Node interface provides an
input for Firebird X along with mono or stereo analog outputs for your mixer, PA, or
active speakers, and digital outputs for computers or other audio interfaces
✗For a computer-based live performance setup that takes advantage of Firebird
X s individual string processing possibilities, load Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson
Studio Edition into a laptop or other computer Again, G-Node provides physical inputs
and outputs for this “virtual rack ” All eight Firebird X signals (main out and six
individual string outputs) are available in Ableton Live as eight individual channels, and
you can load plug-ins like Guitar Rig 4, or the plug-ins included in Ableton Live, to
process these signals Live provides the routing and mixing for Firebird X’s outputs,
which then go to your amplification system via G-Node's analog or digital outs
✗For a computer-based studio setup G-Node provides an interface between your
guitar and computer sending all guitar outputs through the USB 2.0 connector
directly to your computer. Any modern DAW (digital audio workstation) program will
recognize these outputs and allow you to route process mix and record them
within the audio software you're using (called the “host program”). Because G-Node
also acts as a high-quality computer interface/sound card your host program will be
able to send its output through the USB 2.0 cable to the G-Node. From there the G-
Node’s stereo output jacks can patch directly to a set of active monitor speakers (or
to a mixer headphone distribution amp etc.). You can also monitor the output via G-
Node’s headphone output.
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Chapter 2: G-Node Connections
Chapter 2: G-Node Connections
G-Node offers several types of connections. The input accepts the Firebird X output. The
outputs are all available simultaneously.
✗The analog line outputs can connect to mixers PAms recorder analog inputs etc.
✗The ADAT optical output sends signals to devices with ADAT-compatible inputs
including audio interfaces and recorders.
✗The headphone output allows monitoring Firebird X or your computer’s output.
✗The USB connection provides bi-directional signal flow (input and output) between
the G-Node and Mac or Windows computers. Note: G-Node is a class-compliant USB
device, so it can be removed without having to safely eject.”
G-Node Front Panel
G-Node Front Panel
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✗Firebird input: Plug the Firebird X output into this jack using the supplied stereo
(TRS) 1/4” cable.
The plugs used with a stereo cable have tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS) connections.
✗Status LED: Green indicates that the G-Node recognizes Firebird X. Yellow indicates
Firebird X is either not plugged in not turned on or not functioning properly.
✗SD card slot and recorder controls: Reserved for future expansion.
✗String activity LEDs: These indicate which strings are outputting a signal.
✗Headphone jack: Plug standard 1/8” stereo headphones into this jack.
✗Headphone level control: This adjusts the headphone level but not the level of the
rear-panel outputs.
✗Bluetooth antenna: Reserved for future expansion.
G-Node Rear Panel
G-Node Rear Panel
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✗Battery on-off switch: Push in to enable G-Node’s internal battery (the battery door
is located on G-Node’s bottom panel). Note: Battery power is "cleaner" than USB
power, and may reduce noise when the analog outs connect to a high-gain guitar
amp. If the G-Node connects to USB, battery power will override power coming from
the USB cable unless the battery discharges below 5V, after which USB power takes
over.
✗USB 2.0 Type B port: This connects G-Node to an available USB 2.0 port on your
computer. (Type B indicates that this is a physically smaller version of the standard
USB connector.)
✗Bluetooth antenna and Bluetooth pairing switch: Reserved for future expansion.
✗MIDI out: Reserved for future expansion.
✗SD card slot and recorder controls: Reserved for future expansion.
✗ADAT output: Optical connector that carries the two main guitar outs and individual
outputs for each string (eight outputs total).
✗Line outputs: Standard balanced or unbalanced line-level 1/4” phone jack outputs
that can patch to analog mixers other audio interfaces PA systems etc. These
outputs are available simultaneously with the ADAT output and signals traveling over
USB.
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Chapter 3: General Installation Instructions
Chapter 3: General Installation Instructions
Check the Gibson Website for Updates
Check the Gibson Website for Updates
Gibson is committed to enhancing G-Node’s performance. For the latest G-Node updates
and updated documentation go to the Firebird X Visionaries Club at http://fbx.gibson.com.
You’ll also find update for other Firebird X system software free patches and more.
Installing from a Downloaded File
Installing from a Downloaded File
All Firebird X software is available as a convenient download rather than from physical
media. When downloading new software note where your computer stores downloads. If
you’re not sure create a text file with a distinctive name (e.g. Downloadtestfile.txt)
email it to yourself as an attachment then download the attachment. Use your computer’s
search function to find the file after it’s downloaded and note the folder that contains it.
This folder is where you will find any other files you download.
Caution:
Caution: USB 2.0 Connector Orientation USB 2.0 Connector Orientation
Never force a USB connection If the USB plug does not slide easily into its matching
connector, rotate the plug 180 degrees and try again
Connect Directly to a USB Port on Your Computer, not through a Hub
Connect Directly to a USB Port on Your Computer, not through a Hub
Audio requires much higher bandwidth than a peripheral like a USB keyboard or mouse As
expansion hubs can reduce bandwidth, plug G-Node into a USB 2 0 port on the computer
itself, or a USB 2 0 card plugged into your computer G-Node wants the most direct path
possible to your computer
G-Node Automatic Fault Detection
G-Node Automatic Fault Detection
G-Node can detect faulty cables or bad USB 2 0 connections If you open the Gibson G-Node
Control Panel and its GUI (Graphic User Interface) does not appear, check your connections
If the Control Panel disappears for no apparent reason while the application is open, the USB
2 0 cable has likely been unplugged or become unseated from its connector Restoring these
connections restores the Control Panel’s GUI
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Chapter 4: Macintosh Installation
Chapter 4: Macintosh Installation
1. If a previous G-Node Control Panel installation exists uninstall the program as described
in Appendix B.
2. Check that there’s at least 130MB of free disk space on your main system drive.
3. Download the latest G-Node software for Mac as described at the beginning of Chapter 3
and save it to your desktop. If the file has a .ZIP suffix double-click on it to extract the
Firebird.pkg installation file. This will appear on your desktop.
4. Plug the smaller connector of the included USB 2.0 high-speed cable into the USB 2.0
port on the G-Node’s rear panel and the larger connector into an available USB 2.0 port on
your Mac (there's usually one on the Mac’s front panel; otherwise check the rear panel).
5. Double-click on the Firebird.pkg file. The installation window appears. Click on
Continue.
6. The Standard Install window appears. This notifies you of the free space required on your
hard drive for installation and gives the option to change installation to a drive other than
your main system drive. Gibson strongly recommends using the default installation path.
Click on Install.
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7. If necessary enter your password to allow the installer to make changes to your
computer then click on OK.
8. Installation begins. When complete the successful installation screen appears. Click on
Close.
You’ll find Firebird X files in the following locations.
Firebird Presets: Finder > Go > Home > Firebird X > Presets
Firebird Editor: Finder > Go > Applications > Firebird
G-Node Control Panel: Finder > Go > Applications > Firebird X
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Do not click on FirebirdDFU; this program launches automatically to check your system
firmware when you open the Firebird X Editor.
Note: For quick access, click on the Firebird icon to highlight it, then go File > Make Alias.
Drag the Alias to your desktop so you can double-click on it to open the FBX Editor.
Proceed to Chapter 6 on updating your system firmware.
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Chapter 5: Windows 7 Installation
Chapter 5: Windows 7 Installation
Note: The installation procedure for 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 is virtually
identical.
1. Power-up your Windows computer and log in as an Administrator—either with the
“Administrator” account or any other account with administrative privileges. Otherwise
you will not be able to install the G-Node software. Caution! DO NOT connect the Gibson
G-Node to your co puter’s USB 2.0 port yet.
2. If a previous G-Node Control Panel installation exists uninstall the program as described
in Appendix C.
3. Make sure there is at least 50MB of free disk space on your main system C: drive.
4. Download the latest G-Node software for Windows as described at the beginning of
Chapter 3 and save it to your desktop. If the file has a .ZIP suffix double-click on it to
extract the FB _Setup.exe installation file; this will appear on your desktop.
5. Double-click on the FBX_Setup.exe icon.
6. If User Account Control is enabled you’ll be asked if you want the program to make
changes to your computer. Click on Yes.
7. When the Installation Options screen appears verify that all three check boxes are
checked. Click on Next.
8. The Installation Folder window appears. This notifies you of the space required on your
hard drive for installation and the available space. You also have the option to change
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installation to a drive other than your main system drive. Gibson strongly recommends
using the default installation path. Click on Install. Note: With 32-bit Windows 7, FBX
Editor will install to the Program Files folder. With 64-bit Windows 7, it will install to the
Program Files (x86) folder.
9. The installer will ask you to connect your G-Node to your computer. Plug the smaller
connector of the included USB 2.0 high-speed cable into the USB 2.0 port on the G-Node’s
rear panel and the larger connector into an available USB 2.0 port on your computer. Then
click on OK.
10. A window informs you that G-Node driver installation is complete. Click on OK.
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11. Another window informs you that Setup is complete. Click on Close. Three shortcuts
will have been placed on your desktop.
You’ll find Firebird X files in the following locations.
Firebird Presets: Start > Computer > C: Drive > Users > Owners > Firebird X > Presets
Firebird Editor, additional icons for Presets and Licks, and uninstall: Start > All
Programs > Firebird X
Firebird bin data and drivers: Start > Computer > C: Drive > Program Files (x86) >
Firebird X
G-Node Control Panel: Start > Computer > C: Drive > Program Files > Gibson > G-Node
Do not click on FirebirdDFU; this program launches automatically to check your system
firmware when you open the Firebird X Editor.
Proceed to Chapter 6 on updating your system firmware.
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Chapter 6: How to Update System Firmware
Chapter 6: How to Update System Firmware
The Firebird X guitar G-Node and Blue LightningTM Pedalboard and Switchboard all have
firmware that determines how they operate. Firmware is the “brains” of these units and
may be updated to add new features or optimize performance. Updates are included in the
FBX Editor so installing a new version of the editor may also involve updating firmware.
Update the Guitar and G-Node
Update the Guitar and G-Node
1. Turn on your computer and wait until the booting process is complete.
2. Install the FBX Editor software as described in Chapters 3 (Mac) and 4 (Windows).
3. Make sure that:
✗G-Node connects to your computer with the supplied USB 2.0 high-speed cable
✗Firebird X is plugged in to the G-Node guitar input using the supplied stereo cable
✗Firebird X is turned on with a fully charged battery. Caution! Power should never
be interrupted during a firmware update. Gibson highly recommends having your
computer connected to an uninterruptible power supply while doing firmware
updates. Another option is to update using a battery-powered laptop so that if
there’s a power failure, the laptop will remain operational. Also, make sure all
cables are secure before updating.
4. If these connections are correct the LED to the immediate right of the input jack will
glow green. Do not have the pedals powered-on when updating the guitar and G-Node.
5. Open the FBX Editor. It will query Firebird X and G-Node for their firmware versions (this
will take several seconds) and if all devices are up-to-date will display a screen showing
the firmware versions and then open the FBX editing screen. I portant! If a screen says
that it does not recognize the fir ware version or can’t read it, close the dialog box
and let the editor open. Then unplug the stereo cable fro Firebird X, wait a few
seconds, then plug it back in again. This solves ost connection proble s.
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6. If any device is not up-to-date the software will ask if you want to update the firmware.
Confirm that you do and be patient—updating all components can take several minutes.
Caution! Do not do anything with your computer, Firebird X, or G-Node until updating is
complete.
7. Updating will complete automatically. Follow any additional on-screen instructions (e.g.
you may be asked to turn off the G-Node and turn it back on again so it can load the new
firmware). When updating is complete the FBX editing screen will appear.
8. I portant! After all updating is complete turn off Firebird X unplug G-Node from USB
(and turn off the battery if battery-powered) and re-boot your computer. Then plug G-
Node back in to USB and turn on Firebird X.
Update the Blue Lightning
Update the Blue LightningTM
TM Pedalboard and Switchboard Firmware
Pedalboard and Switchboard Firmware
The pedal firmware updating procedure is similar to updating the Firebird X and G-Node
firmware. The same caution applies about not interrupting power during the updating
process. If you have an uninterruptible power supply use the Pedalboard/Switchboard AC
adapter to power the pedals. Otherwise power each pedal with a fully charged battery.
To update the Pedalboard firmware:
1. Turn on your computer and wait until the booting process is complete.
2. With the Pedalboard power off and AC adapter disconnected remove the Pedalboard’s
rear battery compartment.
3. A USB Type Mini-B connector is located in the Pedalboard battery compartment. Connect
the supplied USB 2.0 high-speed cable from your computer to this connector. Do not
connect the G-Node interface.
4. Connect the AC adapter to the Pedalboard.
5. Turn on the Pedalboard by pushing down on the pedal until it clicks and the display turns
on. It is not necessary to have Firebird X turned on.
6. Open the FBX Editor software. It will search your computer’s USB ports locate the
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Pedalboard and check the firmware version.
7. If the firmware is outdated you will be asked if you want to install new firmware. Click
on Yes.
8. Be patient while the software updates which may take a while. Remember—do not
interrupt power to the computer or pedals or disconnect the USB cable during the
updating process.
9. When the update is complete the update screen will close. Remove the USB cable from
the Pedalboard and turn off its power.
To update the Switchboard firmware:
1. Verify that the computer is still on and booted.
2. With the Switchboard power off and AC adapter disconnected remove the Switchboard’s
rear battery compartment.
3. A USB Type Mini-B connector is located in the Switchboard battery compartment.
Connect the supplied USB 2.0 high-speed cable from your computer to this connector. The
G-Node interface should remain unconnected.
4. Connect the AC adapter to the Switchboard.
5. Turn on the Switchboard by pushing and holding the Upper Left footswitch. It is not
necessary to have Firebird X turned on.
6. Open the FBX Editor software. It will search your computer’s USB ports locate the
Switchboard and check the firmware version.
7. If the firmware is outdated you will be asked if you want to install new firmware. Click
on Yes.
8. Be patient while the software updates which may take a while. Do not interrupt power
to the computer or pedals or disconnect the USB cable during the updating process.
9. When the update is complete the update screen will close. Remove the USB cable from
the Switchboard and turn off its power.
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